Indiana Pacers: 5 Reasons For Optimism

Apr 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) celebrates with center Myles Turner (33) and guard Ty Lawson (10) against the Toronto Raptors during the second half in game six of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 101-83. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 31, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers fans and guard C.J. Miles (0) reacts after Miles made a three pointer against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Milwaukee defeats Indiana 120-116. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 3-Point Shooting

Indiana Pacers team president Larry Bird has begun to embrace the direction of the NBA. The Pacers experienced a respectable measure of success as a defensive-minded team that placed a small emphasis on offensive execution, but Bird made serious changes during the summer of 2015.

The result: Indiana prioritized 3-point shooting more than ever before.

In 2012-13, the Pacers ranked No. 22 in 3-point field goal percentage and No. 16 in 3-point field goals made. In 2013-14, Indiana was No. 17 in 3-point field goal percentage and No. 22 in 3-point field goals made.

With 2014-15 serving as an outlier due to Paul George’s absence, Indiana had its breakthrough in 2015-16.

Indiana converted 8.1 3-point field goals per game in 2015-16—far more than the 6.7 it converted in 2012-13, and the 6.9 it hit in 2013-14. It still hasn’t fully accepted the need to operate from beyond the arc, but Bird has made moves in free agency and the NBA Draft that suggest he’s finally embracing the need to space the floor.

For as successful as the 2013 and 2014 seasons were, the Pacers are shifting towards an offensive system that better suits the modern era. That’s something to be excited about.

Next: Still Got It, Part I

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